Executive Director

Yukon Words Society
Whitehorse, YT (remote) | Permanent, 20-25 hours/week
Closing Date: January 31, 2024

What We Need

We are looking for a leader: someone who will not only implement the vision set out by the Board of Directors, but who will build upon our three years of work to help grow and steer our organization forward. We need someone with initiative, a distinct sense of personal responsibility, and a passion for nurturing word arts and artists in the Yukon.

We are looking for one person to manage and lead the organization’s operations, activities, development, and impact on a day-to-day basis. Priorities and work are set considering needs, resources, and interests. The Executive Director (ED) can count on a solid team of volunteers (board directors, board supporters, membership) and potentially other hired support (bookkeeping, marketing, event coordination, etc.). The ED will start as a remote position, but may transition to an office as funding allows.

With the support of the Board and other staff, duties and responsibilities include:

• Organize, promote, and coordinate events, such as regular monthly readings, workshops, and our bi-annual Yukon Words Festival

• Manage the organization’s finances

• Lead funding efforts with various bodies

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with Yukon word artists, arts organizations, government, and other stakeholders

• Manage day-to-day communications

• Report back to and work closely with the Board

What We Offer

We offer flexibility, the potential for continued, potentially greater employment based on funding, and an opportunity to make a real difference for writers and readers in the Yukon. You will be able to make your own voice heard, and shape the arts in our territory for years to come. Specific compensation details to be determined.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a leader who thrives on responsibility. The ED must be an excellent communicator, both written and spoken; have experience working alone and as part of a team; and be capable of organizing, promoting, and running events.

Other specific requirements include:

• Good presentation, educational, marketing, and interpersonal skills

• Strong communication skills, both in-person and in-writing;

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent education and/or experience in a related field such as arts administration, writing, journalism, publishing, event planning, business management

• Proficiency with digital tools such as Google Workspace, Zoom, and MailChimp

• Ability to develop and operate a budget

Preferable attributes, not required:

• Experience working in a non-profit setting

• Experience with fundraising, especially developing proposals including workplan and budget

• Background in the arts

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter (maximum 1 page) and CV to yukonwordssociety@gmail.com no later than January 31, 2024. Early applicants may be considered prior to the closing date of this posting.

About Yukon Words

Yukon Words is devoted to supporting and promoting the word arts in Yukon, Canada.

We are a not-for-profit cultural organization that represents, supports, and promotes Yukon writers, storytellers, and word artists at all levels and in all disciplines. We welcome, build, and connect an inclusive community of readers and audiences, and hope to foster wide public access to and participation in Yukon writing and storytelling arts and industries in all forms.

Acknowledgements

We live, work, and create with gratitude on the Traditional Territories of 14 Yukon First Nations.